“We can barely imagine how much less our lives would be if those who heard of Jesus’ birth that first Christmas night did not believe, or if they did not share the joyous news with their families, friends, and communities,” O’Malley said.

“The light of Christ shines through all darkness and guides us, it strengthens and sustains us in our most difficult moments, it assures us of the promise of eternal life,” he said.

O’Malley said people must work together, as brothers and sisters, to dispel the world’s darkness, oppression, persecution, and lack of respect for human dignity.

“By doing so we give the greatest and most enduring gift; the gift of life in Jesus Christ,” O’Malley said.